Work

A dual-workflow framework for evaluating pulp and paper industry impacts on nature

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The pulp and paper industry contributes to nature loss through multiple drivers across its value chain. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) have supported efforts to identify and quantify impacts on nature. However, such assessments vary in their scope on the stage of the value chain, units of analysis, and methodological approaches and also lack spatial resolution needed for decision-making. In this paper, we introduce a dual-workflow framework that links drivers of nature loss based on LCA metrics with state of nature indicators derived from geospatial data. We propose this framework as a tool for rapid high-level assessments. Applying this to Indonesia, we find that upstream plantation activities are the dominant source of impacts, driving high global warming potential, particulate emissions, and resource depletion, and affecting over 1700 km 2 of peatlands and 560 km 2 of Key Biodiversity Areas. Spatial analysis shows significantly greater biodiversity and connectivity losses at the upstream stage than at pulp mill sites ( p < 0.05). Together, these workflows provide complementary insights: activity-based metrics identify pressure points, while spatial indicators reveal where ecological integrity is most at risk. The approach enables rapid, high-level assessments that can guide corporate actions and align with emerging disclosure frameworks such as the TNFD, CSRD, and SBTi.

Source: Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI: 10.1016/j.eiar.2025.108307

Authors: Yoselin Oropeza Abregú, Hassan Aftab Sheikh

Institution: University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900